Saucer Lamp

Design by George Nelson, 1947.Handcrafted in Michigan, U.S.A. by Modernica.

Without question, the George Nelson Bubble Lamp Saucer Pendant is a tried-and-true standard of the modern vocabulary. George Nelson designed the first lamps in 1947. These lamps, with their simple sculptural shapes, are constructed of an innovative taut plastic that coats a steel wire-frame. Nelson's unique design and ingenious use of materials prove to eliminate glare and provide an abundant, yet diffused light. A quality which alone is unique to this material.

From the forming of the wire-frame, to the spraying of the vinyl form, one-by-one, each Bubble Lamp is constructed to last decades and each Bubble Lamp is built to George Nelson's original specifications. These famous lamps are part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

For dimensions, please click on schematic diagram. Brushed nickel canopy. Each pendant comes with 6 feet of wire that can be field shortened. The small model uses 1 X 60W max medium base incandescent bulb and the medium and large use 1 X 150W max medium base.

Design by George Nelson, 1947.Handcrafted in Michigan, U.S.A. by Modernica.

Without question, the George Nelson Bubble Lamp Saucer Pendant is a tried-and-true standard of the modern vocabulary. George Nelson designed the first lamps in 1947. These lamps, with their simple sculptural shapes, are constructed of an innovative taut plastic that coats a steel wire-frame. Nelson's unique design and ingenious use of materials prove to eliminate glare and provide an abundant, yet diffused light. A quality which alone is unique to this material.

From the forming of the wire-frame, to the spraying of the vinyl form, one-by-one, each Bubble Lamp is constructed to last decades and each Bubble Lamp is built to George Nelson's original specifications. These famous lamps are part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

For dimensions, please click on schematic diagram. Brushed nickel canopy. Each pendant comes with 6 feet of wire that can be field shortened. The small model uses 1 X 60W max medium base incandescent bulb and the medium and large use 1 X 150W max medium base.

Express shipping is not available on this item. UL Listed.

George Nelson Bubble Lamps

A mid-century classic, the Bubble Lamp was first designed by George Nelson in 1947 and was produced by Howard Miller starting in the early 1950s and ending in 1979. Our supplier has reissued the Nelson Bubble Lamps to the original specifications, using the original Howard Miller tooling. These famous lamps are part of the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

When writing about the course of his remarkable 50-year career, George Nelson described a series of creative "zaps" — moments of out-of-the-blue inspiration "when the solitary individual finds he is connected with a reality he never dreamed of."

Nelson said that for a designer to deal creatively with human needs, "he must first make a radical, conscious break with all values he identifies as anti-human." Designers also must constantly be aware of the consequences of their actions on people and society. In fact, he declared that "total design is nothing more or less than a process of relating everything to everything." So he said that rather than specializing, designers must cultivate a broad base of knowledge and understanding.

Nelson did so as few are able, and, with the help of well-timed zaps, he helped define modern, humane design.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Susanna from
The saucer lamp fits perfectly in my modern European house.I am a recent arrival to the US and in the process of renovating an older house. I love a clean European look but it is proving very difficult to find modern replacements for most things. I am delighted to have found Ylighting and have already bought several light fittings. The latest is the saucer lamp which looks great above a low coffee table where it complements my black granit/stainless steel fireplace and retro furniture. The delivery was quick but I was a bit worried when I saw the condition of the box. Fortunately the lamp was not damaged. Perhaps you should use a sturdier box. I look forward to buying further lamps for the rest of the house

Date published: 2009-02-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Tom from
The Nelson saucer lamp enhances the midcentury modern style of our home.After reading all the reviews posted, I can only add the following. I was very disappointed that it took over a week to process the order. Once I finally received the shipping confirmation, I received the Nelson saucer in a timely manner & intact. It was easy to install but did outgas an odor for about 10 days. Here is my big tip for those who also purchased the small saucer & were unhappy with the low light level. Switch to the new LED 60 watt equivalent. It gives off a much brighter light, has a long life & saves energy. My wife & I are thrilled with our purchase! We wanted to installed a medium saucer but the ceiling fixture was too close to a corner to do so.

Date published: 2011-01-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Carmen S. from
Awesome iconic lamp that was the cherry on top of my nursery!The customer service alone will make me come back for another lighting purchase. Great service when I called to figure out the size lamp I should purchase according to my room dimensions for my nursery. I called because I read other reviews that did the same thing. At first I was trying to google how to pick the right size chandelier for a bedroom, until your company suggested a medium saucer lamp for a 11'x15' room with 9' high ceilings. Perfect! And I LOVE how it looks in my mid century modern rustic cowboy nursery! Can't wait to find my next piece for the entry. Thank you for excelling in customer service from decision, to sale price, to delivery. Great company!

Date published: 2013-11-29

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Semafore from
Excellent light and solid constructionThe saucer lamp converted my dining room from what felt like an interrogation room to a subtle and comfortable warm glow. The construction of the lamp is simple and solid. The canopy is equally simple and elegant in it's design. The ample (5+foot) of cord was more than enough to wire into the existing box. The price is appropriate given the timeless contemporary design. The 17" saucer fits a moderately sized dining room comfortably (10' x 14' x 8') hanging approximately 1.5 feet from the ceiling. The horizontal orientation of the saucer accentuates a dining room nicely and casts soft shadows and also provides light back to the ceiling. Use with a dimmer for best results.

Date published: 2012-11-19

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Ana C. from
I love the glow and look of this light!We installed this light fixture in our new dining room -- in other words the new dining room is still being finished, and this and the ceiling are the only things ready so far -- and still, I love to walk in and just take a look at the light as it hangs (over the soon-to-come dining room table) At first I thought the large size would be too big for the room but soon realized that it commands attention in a soft way because of the material it is made of and the nice, soft glow that it gives off. We can't wait to see it in its full element when the furniture is in and the rest of the walls are finished and painted.

Date published: 2008-12-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
from
I love the glow and look of this light!We installed this light fixture in our new dining room -- in other words the new dining room is still being finished, and this and the ceiling are the only things ready so far -- and still, I love to walk in and just take a look at the light as it hangs (over the soon-to-come dining room table) At first I thought the large size would be too big for the room but soon realized that it commands attention in a soft way because of the material it is made of and the nice, soft glow that it gives off. We can't wait to see it in its full element when the furniture is in and the rest of the walls are finished and painted.

Date published: 2008-12-03

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Emily S. from
Great service, gorgeous lamp!Nelson lamps by Modernica are offered on several websites, but I got the best service from YLighting, and therefore decided to buy from them. I was concerned about the amount of light, the color of the light and all sorts of nit picky questions that one might have before making a big purchase. The "lighting specialist" talked me through everything and really knew what he was talking about. The return policy is better than other vendors, but I don't want to return this lamp. The Saucer lamp is absolutely stunning. We love looking at it when it's turned on, or off, because it's really a scuptural work of art. It puts off a ton of light, but it's nicely diffused. We're very happy!

Date published: 2011-01-24

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Bostonbob3 from
George Nelson lives in my house.After recently purchasing a single family home in Boston, my wife and I started replacing all the hideous light fixtures. One of the first to go was a crystal chandelier hanging in part of the huge living room, just past the foyer. The space needed something dramatic (perhaps that's why the former owners felt compelled to hand something that looked like a massive version of Charo's earrings). The debate over what to place there didn't last long. As soon as I said "Nelson bubble lamp," a light went on (somewhat ironically) over both of our heads. We purchased a medium classic bubble lamp, and it looks spectacular. And best of all, Charo no longer comes by looking for lost jewelry.